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Serving in the Household of God
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Welcome home, First Church Family and Friends!
One of the goals I set for myself this year was developing servant-leaders. The Priesthood of All Believers is one of my favorite reformed understandings because it says that every person has equal potential to minister on God's behalf. Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, length of church membership, or experience of the faith, every single one of God's people has potential to serve.
God is on the move blessing our church with servant-leaders. Here is what happened this week alone:
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Scores of you came out to sign-up for our many committees and ministries. Thank you for being good stewards of your talents and gifts in this place.
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Elder Barbara Cummings is preaching this Sunday - the first time in a long time, I'm told, that a female elder has brought our community a word from God. Yippee, Barbara! Yippee, God!
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Elder Patrick Tirino was elected Clerk of Session Monday evening, following in the footsteps of our longest serving clerk, Marcia Smith, who became elder and clerk in the same week! Thank you, First Church, for keeping, Patrick, and our entire Session in your daily prayers.
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Two 2nd graders from our community, Henry and Petal, volunteered in the Food Pantry this week - much to the delight of our guests.
Servant-leadership requires audacity on our part to believe we can actually answer God's call. Servant-leadership requires humility on our part, that has us constantly asking, "Who am I to think I can minister on God's behalf?!" Too much audacity, not enough humility, or vice versa, spells disaster. Servant-leaders need both to serve like the Christ we follow. Thank you, First Church for your audacity and humility to serve. And thank you for supporting those who have answered God's call with their own, "Yes!"
You are loved,
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Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Nursery is open, 2nd Floor at Top of Stairs
Youth Band in the Rose Room (2nd Floor)
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Children's Choir in the Rose Room (2nd Floor)
11:00 AM
Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon to be preached by Rev. Adriene Thorne,
11:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Sunday School, meet in the Gym
Following Worship
Discussion and Opportunities to Serve, a.k.a. the Ministry Fair, in the Elliott Room (2nd Floor)
Wednesday, September 27th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Park Plaza Diner, Cadman Plaza West
6:30 PM
A Place at the Table, Education for all Ages in the Elliot Room
Thursday, September 28th
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal in the Sanctuary
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Congregation and Community News
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Back this Sunday – Youth Band and Children's Choir in the Rose Room!
Band at 10:00 AM
Choir at 10:30 AM
Andrew can't wait to see you!
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NEW MEMBERS
Ever wondered about the history of First Church or what does it really mean to be a member of this church? Well this is your chance to find out! On October 15th and 22nd, you can come to listen and discern about becoming a member of this community. The informational classes will be held at 9:45-1045 in the Gym. By attending the classes it does not commit you to becoming a member, it just allows you to explore the option. If you have an interest please RSVP to membership@firstchurchbrooklyn.org by October 12th. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Patrick Tirino, Diana Lee or Rev. Adriene. Hope to see you there!
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Give today to help Presbyterian Disaster Assistance bring hope & healing to Texas families impacted by Hurricane Harvey and/or Florida families impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is in touch with presbyteries in the affected areas of Texas and Florida to offer assistance. We are standing by with resources and National Response Team members ready to deploy upon invitation and when it is safe to do so.
For those who wish to support PDA's emergency response and recovery efforts, gifts can be designated to DR000169-Harvey or DR000194-Irma via the form here. We need your help. Please give generously.
If you prefer to mail a check, you may send it to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
PO Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA, 15264-3700
You may also call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), at 1-800-872-3283 to donate by phone. For updates, please go to pda.pcusa.org.
Please join us in praying for courage for those who are suffering; wisdom and diligence among agencies and individuals assessing damage and directing relief efforts; and for generosity to flow as powerfully as rivers and streams, as we respond to the deep human needs left in the wake of these storms.
Rev. Dr. Laurie Ann Kraus
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
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Below are two additional resources for those interested in making donations for specific needs or populations affected by the Hurricanes.
For those interested in sending non-monetary donations, First Church is monitoring the situation to assess various needs, and will determine if a collection effort will be organized. Please contact Elder Jane Ehlke with any questions.
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Pastoral Care Ministry partners with Thrive NYC
On November 18th, 2017, members of Pastoral Care will be participating in an all day (9am-5pm) Mental Health Training workshop sponsored by Thrive NYC. Thrive NYC is a citywide initiative devoted to expanding awareness of mental health issues to the public, and Pastoral Care is committed to being part of that conversation.
The workshop "teaches the skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges and crises", and also will address the misconceptions and stigmas attached to mental health. We are excited to have this opportunity to shine light on this important subject, and excited to be able to bring it to First Church. We have limited availability for members of the congregation to join us, and hope that you will consider taking advantage of this opportunity.
The workshop will be held in the Elliot Room, and lunch and a light breakfast will be provided. We encourage and hope that you will join us to begin these frank discussions on mental health.
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Focus on Hunger
The Mission and Social Action Committee has a goal to educate the entire congregation on the issues around food and hunger in our country and around the world, and why First Presbyterian is involved in alleviating the suffering associated with a lack of food.
Volunteers are needed Wednesday evenings from 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM to receive fresh fruits and vegetables for our food pantry. If you are available to come to First Church Brooklyn and receive donations from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge CSA and Sweet Pea CSA, please call the church office to be connected to pantry coordinator, Jane Woland.
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As of 2015, 42.2 million Americans live in food-insecure households, including 29.1 million adults and 13.1 million children.
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On Thursday, September 21st, our Food Pantry served 111 guests with the
help of 9 volunteers (two were 7 year olds from our church).
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Worship services are streamed live over the Internet. We provide the worship bulletin on the website so that you can follow along. Tune in to worship at 11:00 AM Eastern time.
Missed a week, or want to hear a Sermon again? We have a podcast with over 1 year of our Sermon audio. Click the "Sermon Podcast" icon below to subscribe.
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Like us. Follow us. See us. Hear us.
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Reminders and Looking Ahead
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Clark Street Subway Station Closure
The Clark Street (2 and 3 trains) subway station will be closed on weekends until Spring 2018. People who normally take the subway to First Church need to walk from Borough Hall or take the B25, B26, B38, B41, B52 or B103 bus.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH, and FAMILIES (CYF)
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Brooklyn Rock and Roll Half Marathon Training
(Race date is October 14)
Brooklyn Samaritans group runs are Mondays at 7:00 PM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM.
Ask Rev Adriene to add you to the Facebook group with details of each training workout. Walkers are also encouraged to join; all are welcome to train.
Support
Come out and support our marathon runners by helping them "Carbo Load" before the big race. On Friday, 10/13, we are holding a pot luck pasta dinner to celebrate the accomplishment of these amazing people and give them a loving rally before they race the next day. If you can make some pasta dish please contact membership@firstchurchbrooklyn.org by 10/4. All are welcome in the Elliott Room starting at 6:30pm.
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Gay? Cisgender? Non-Binary? Trans Female? Trans Male? Pansexual? Confused by all the terms? More importantly, would you like more information about what they really mean to people and their identity? Please come to a workshop on October 11th, from 6:30-8 in the Elliott Room presented by The Brooklyn Pride Center. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP tomembership@firstchurchbrooklyn.org. Looking forward to seeing you there!!!
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Men's Monthly Potluck Dinner at First Church
First Friday each month, 7:00 PM, Elliott Room
This has been a popular event with many of our First Church sisters for years, and we hope it will be for the men as well. Questions? Contact Willy Norton by phone or email.
If you can attend, please email Willy so that he has an idea of numbers.
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Men's Fellowship Breakfast
Join us as we discuss the book, "A Cloud of Witnesses," edited by Joyce Hollyday and Jim Wallis. A collection of 35 short stories of exceptional people grouped by the 8 Beatitudes.
Come join us even if you are not reading the book.
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Worship Leaders
Interested in taking part as a reader during Sunday worship? We welcome volunteers from the congregation to sign up as Worship Leaders. Please contact Annie Solages in the church office at 718-624-3770 or speak to Worship Committee Chair, Barbara Cummings.
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First Presbyterian Church Social Action Committee
Criminal Justice Activities in Concert
With the Church of Gethsemane
First Church continues to be active in concert with the Church of Gethsemane.
- Sunday Lunch after Worship. We are looking for volunteers
- Administrative Support: Ongoing administrative support has been provided by Jane and Dave Ehlke. The Project Connect database has been expanded to 225 members in 30 different prisons.
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This week's eNewsletter was edited by Christina Adorno. Photos provided by Jim Johnson and Christina Adorno.
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Online Donations: Set up a recurring gift to the church through a secure online account. To set up an account or to edit an existing gift, go to First Presbyterian Church's website.
Flower Donations. We welcome flower donations of $30 or more in memory or in honor of friends and loved ones. Call Annie Solages in the Church office at 718-624-3770 or see Barbara Cummings during fellowship hour on Sundays.
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